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I received samples of the Freixenet (“fresh-eh-net”) Cordon Negro Brut a.k.a. “the black bottle bubbly” from their PR agency a few weeks ago and my oh my, I was not surprised to taste the most elegant (inside and out) sparkling wine that I have tried thus far in my wine journey; it’s the world’s #1 imported sparkling wine, to say the least (screw top included!).

When I was getting ready to pour a glass, I had to find the chicest glass I had available to keep up with the quality of this Cava. This champagne coup did the trick!

Sipping this sparkling Cava could be considered an art in itself as the pungent bubbles, crisp style, and sleek black bottle are a masterpiece. Very much a show-stopper at any party. Did I mention a great pairing and aperitif with raw almonds?

A nice blend of Cavaare Macabeo (35%), Xarel-lo (25%) and Parellada (40%) was crisp with tastes of pear, apple, and citrus yet a tinge of smoky flavor came out of the bottle for me. A dry sparkling (not too overbearing) and fluttery in the mouth could be considered a good middle-man between a prosecco and a champagne.

And of course, it’s all about the bubbles, you can actually feel the bubbles run down your esophagus and brighten up your whole body. The best part is, the bubbles never die. I was sipping on this and taking in all of its flavors for over 20 minutes and it still had just as many bubbles when poured (maybe a hint less, but still!). One word – QUALITY. Case and point, it feels good all around drinking this Cava and I’m hoping it’s at your ‘End of Summer Soiree’ or at an event outside in your cocktail dress or suit (skinny tie included).

Can be found in the majority of wines stores and numerous restaurants around NYC! Retails for around $10.95.

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I was feeling inspired one night when I received two bottles of Godello from Ole Imports. I have never tasted the Godello varietal before so I decided to open both bottles simultaneously to get the full effect of this grape type. Godello is grown in northwestern Spain mostly in Valdeorras and northern Portugal. It’s a fine white grape that at first, reminded me of a Chard then transformed into a burst of something more unique! These wines really reflect its place of origin and the soils where the vines are grown. Both wines were farmed in slate and granite giving the wines earthy and ‘stony’ flavors showing how specific climate and immaculate precision is used in growing these remarkable grapes. Now… onto the wines.

2010 Castelo do Papa Godello 100% Godello (of course) had such youthful minerality with hints of pear, green apple and a hint of grapefruit. I tasted a bit of acidity as well which to me, made this wine extremely well balanced and smooth. Definitely a wine that can be paired with a heavier meal, such as sausage, heavier cheeses, and really any seafood.

2010 Estate Bottle Rogo Godello Another 100% Godello. This wine had a floral and vibrant nose and loads of minerality and stone fruit in taste. it had a bit of honey, a tiny bit of sweetness and is a little more ‘zest’ than the Papa. A great refreshing wine with energy! I would stay with lighter cheeses, fish dishes, oysters, and pasta as pairings.

All in all, my Godello experience was a very pleasant one and gives a true adventure into the world of the Valdeorras region through the taste of each wine – a mineral and fruitful experience!

I highly recommend you try to brighten your taste buds and grow out of your comfort zone with wine. Try something new and grow your palate! I can now say I am a huge fan of Godello and will seek them out when I’m at my wine store next!

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Ole Imports impresses me again!

It’s a dreary night in NYC tonight and I’m craving something with SPICE to get me out of this mood I am in caused by the weather. Well, I just opened up a bottle of Barco de Piedra from the region Ribera del Duero, kindly sent to my by Ole Imports and BOOM – My spirits are lifted! This light fruit bomb of red berries filled with delicious spices (I taste cinnamon!) with cedar lingerings and a delicate finish is taking me away from this rainy Wednesday and floating me to the SUN of Spain! What a wonderful red drinking wine at an amazing value. $15 – $17 in price point… Really? By the sophisticated bottle and elegantly light taste, I would think this wine was MUCH more costly. Have fun fooling your friends and CHEERS to Barco de Piedra. Thank you again to Ole Imports for letting me try this remarkable bottle!

Let’s praise Spain and Sherry for inventing one of the most raved about food concepts in the US and even specifically NYC – Tapas! Way back when in Andalusian, Spain, after a hard days work men would go out to taverns and order something to take the edge off – drink of choice, Sherry. Since sherry is so sweet, it would attract fruit flies which as you can image was problematic and clearly annoying. So, bartenders/owners began to serve their sherry with a piece of bread that hovered over the glass to prevent the fruit flies from attacking. Then to top that, meat was also served, as it triggers thirst, thus creating more business for the taverns. Then in lieu of competition, other restaurants started to embrace the positive feedback and trend, enough to start to offer a variety of other small snacks and plates to go along with the sherry which increased customers and alcohol sales.

Of course, gratefully this concept caught on and spiralled out of control and now there are numerous tapas restaurants all over the world… Too many to count in NYC however, one of my favorites is ALTA!

Here are some great sherries to impress your friends with when you are entertaining… for a great price too! Remember, they last a very long time so it’s ok to spend a little extra on a great Sherry!